Sprollie

When the English Springer Spaniel and Border Collie were crossed in the UK decades ago, the Sprollie emerged. Although its exact origins remain a mystery, crossing Border Collies with Springer Spaniels has been done for a number of decades. They usually mated freely and the resulting offspring, Sprollies, were utilised as working dogs on farms.

The Sprollie has the characteristics of both its parent breeds, both of which have wonderful traits. As such, it is no surprise that this crossbreed later began to be purposely bred as pets. In recent years, the popularity of the Sprollie began to rise, and the demand for it has grown since then.

Currently, this hybrid canine is not yet recognised by The Kennel Club.

The Sprollie’s height ranges from 46-565 cm. Its weight usually ranges from 18-25 kg. As this dog is a crossbreed, its appearance from one pup to another. A single litter of Sprollie puppies, for example, can yield pups of varying colours, patterns, and traits. Despite this, there are characteristics that tend to be common for most, if not all, Sprollies.

Most of this breed has the same feathered, floppy ears that hang down the sides of their faces, close to the cheeks. They also usually have similar coats as their Spaniel parent. Their colours, even the tails, tend to be inherited from their Border Collie ancestor.

The Sprollie head is broad and proportionate to its body, with alert and intelligent eyes. Its nose is either black or brown, and its eyes can be light or dark brown. Its neck is muscular and strong, and its chest is deep. Its athletic build consists of well-developed hindquarters and thighs, muscular loins and straight front legs. Its tail has a slight curve and is never carried over its back. Its paws are oval and have deep pads and arched toes.

Its double coat, which protects it from harsh weather conditions, can be short and smooth or semi-long. Although the Sprollie’s coat colours cover a wide range of hues and patterns, the most common ones are the black and white pattern. The liver and white combination is also common.

Considering both its parent breeds are lively and workaholics, the Sprollie is also likewise energetic and looking for something to do. It is also very smart and learns fast. As such, this canine is best suited for owners leading an active lifestyle in the great outdoors.

Very friendly, outgoing, and affectionate, the Sprollie temperament also varies among individuals. Its personality depends on how much from each parent it has inherited. However, the liveliness and friendliness frequently occur among such dogs.

Although loving towards its family, play time with children should be supervised as it can be boisterous. Positive reinforcement should be utilised in training this canine. When bored or not sufficiently exercised, the Sprollie can engage in a variety of undesirable behaviours.

First-time owners and families will enjoy the company of this wonderful canine. However, its first 2 years can be trying as it is when it is at its most energetic. Early socialisation will help make this dog a balanced pooch.

For a Sprollie puppy 2-6 months old, feed it 150-270 g of food daily, depending also on its size and activity level. For one that is 7-8 months old, feed it 150-250 g of food daily. On its 10th to 11th month, feed it 135-195 g of food. When it turns 12 months and beyond, it can be fed adult food.

The adult Sprollie weighing 18 kg should be fed about 215-280 g of food daily, also taking into consideration its activity level. For those 20 kg and above, the daily recommended portion ranges from 250-335 g.

• Ear disorders
• Hereditary eye disease and glaucoma
• Hip dysplasia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Epilepsy

A Sprollie puppy costs between £250 and £350 on average. Insurance may cost about £24 (basic) to £42 (lifetime) monthly. The food cost is estimated at £30-£40 monthly. For vaccinations, boosters, annual checks and other veterinary costs, pet care expenses may add up to more than £900 annually.

On average, a Sprollie owner will spend about £60-£90 per month. The insurance fees can also affect these cost estimates. For its lifetime (10-17 years), the costs can range from £7,200 to £18,360 overall. This estimate does not include the expenses incurred in buying a puppy yet.